Posts Tagged ‘slowing down’

That is absolutely someone else’s beautiful cooking–but the cast iron is even cooler with food in it. 🙂

I got a set of cast iron pans from various family members for Christmas–from the darling tiny egg pan to the big-daddy grill pan. These pans are my first venture into the world of cast iron cookware. And at first, I will admit that I was a little intimidated. Cast iron is not quite the same gig as your average non-stick pan. Cast iron has rules. Cast iron needs care and attention. You can’t fill a cast iron pan and leave it to soak–unless you are fond of the taste of rust.

I noticed in the first week or so that I was kind of dodging the cast iron. Mind you, I asked for the cast iron. This was an experience I opted into. But I found myself overwhelmed by the idea of the cast iron care steps: let it cool, scrub it out, dry immediately, warm and add slight coat of oil to build seasoning. And so I waffled for a bit. But finally I decided to dive on in. I challenged myself to only cook with my cast iron for a week. No backsliding to the old, beat-up pans that I had. In fact, I threw away several damaged pans, just to avoid the temptation to use them.

And I realized something interesting. When I was using the cast iron daily, I started to really appreciate the routine that felt so overwhelming at first. With each use, the cast iron is better seasoned, so it is easier to cook in. I appreciate how it translates the heat from my old electric stove into a smooth and even cook surface. I like the process of tending to the cast iron when it is cool, the satisfaction of feeling as though I am investing time in something my kids might cook in in 20 years. I like the way the neediness of the cast iron keeps me present and connected to this daily task.

What I recognized is that the cast iron is taking me through a regular mindfulness practice. Because it requires some routine care, I have to show up and engage when I cook with cast iron. I have to pay attention as I go through the process of cleaning up and putting my kitchen in order. I have to be present for the routine tasks. And there is a richness in mindfully participating in that routine.

Now, maybe you don’t want to sign up to cook with cast iron (but it’s amazing!). That’s fine. However, I would invite you to be curious and challenge yourself to find some things in your life that create a mindful experience for you. That force you to slow down and participate, instead of rushing through to the next challenge.